I moved to Jackson because I love the sport of skiing. Growing up ski racing has allowed me an excellent foundation for skiing, but ski racing was never “my thing” per-say. I could never manage to be the fastest one down the mountain, and here lies my motivation to compete in freeskiing. I love to compete, I’m a competitive person by nature and I love to ski. I think this sport could be for me.
I have been training since May with determination to compete in this years FWT. I reorganized my work schedule to accommodate 4 nights a week at Mountain Athlete with coach Rob Shaul. I’ve motivated, pushed myself and fought through mental and physical exhaustion. Now working 6 or 7 days a week, saving as much as I can for the winter months and throwing every last bit of energy into work outs at the gym or on the single track mountain biking, with the hopes of being a solid competitor this year. Regardless of results just being a competitor and having fun with it, doing the thing that I love to do– Ski.
Mountain Sports International (MSI) has announced the first stop of the Freeskiing World Tour this year to take place at Ski Arpa, right in the shadows of the highest peak in the Americas, Cerro Aconcagua. It’s now time to make the decision with the help, support and motivation from my family, friends and motivators (especially my Mountain Athlete cohorts), do I take this opportunity by the horns and go to Chile? This is the best opportunity for new athletes in the tour to earn points, to qualify and to be able to move past their first competition jitters.
So, do I empty my bank account, take some time off work, pack up my skis and buy the plane ticket to Chile?
To learn more about the FWT or the Ski Arpa event, check out the press release: here.
Monica Purington 
You only live once and may only get one oppurtunity to do this… On the other hand you need to also think about your goals for the future as skiing is not a “career”. From halfway across the country I can’t tell you if it makes sense, I can just offer my opinion that you need to do all the necessary research and then ask yourself is it worth the risk or not…. Good luck and love ya even if you only contact me when you need something..
GO. go go go.
I have to say Will summed it up nicely! Not really knowing what “freeskiing” is and how it works, or where it will lead you, I am not educated enough to give you advise. This may be one you have to figure out on your own. Just know those involved in it already, will undoubtable cheer you to GO Go Go….but ultimately we have taught you to think with your head and make good choices.
We love you…….I do know that much!
Save your pennies. Go to chamonix.
It’s less about where it is going to lead me and more about doing something I have been working toward with alot of effort and doing something I love that I may only get one chance to do. Not to mention the experience of cat skiing in Chile and experiencing Chilean culture and Chilean ski culture. I have motivation for a career and good work ethic, but I feel now is the time in my life to focus on being an athlete and experience these things. I want your support and your understanding and mostly I want you to love me for the decisions I end up making.
Dear Monica, You are a special woman and should go and do all you can while you are young.
We love you.
Mam and Pappy